X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

The Top 5 Atlanta Braves Prospects You Need To Know

AJ Smith-Shawver - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Jay breaks down the Atlanta Braves Top 5 Prospects of 2024. Get to know the next generation of Braves stars as we dive into their minor-league farm system prospects.

The Atlanta Braves minor league system is loaded with prospects that hold immense promise for both the organization and fantasy baseball enthusiasts.

The old saying goes, “Pitching wins championships,” and the Braves have a ton of young arms waiting in the wings, ready to step in at a moment’s notice.

After losing some key contributors like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. to a rash of injuries, this youth movement will be vital to the Braves' playoff hopes as they look to capture their seventh straight division title.

 

The Top 5 Atlanta Braves Prospects You Need To Know 

AJ Smith-Shawver - RHP

Ranked number one on the Braves top prospects chart, right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has already received the call to the big leagues. Smith-Shawver made his brief debut with the major league club in 2023 when he was only 20. The Atlanta flame-thrower has shown top-of-the-rotation potential with a fastball that touches triple-digits. Smith-Shawver was brought back to Atlanta on May 23 for a start vs. the Cubs.

He was effective in the non-decision going 4.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts but was diagnosed with an oblique strain shortly thereafter, landing him on the 15-day IL. We should see a July return if his recovery goes smoothly, but backed by a high-octane offense (even without Ronald Acuna Jr.), Smith-Shawver should be stashed in IL spots everywhere possible.

Spencer Schwellenbach – RHP

The third-best prospect in the Atlanta organization, Spencer Schwellenbach, took the mound last week in his MLB debut just two days before his 24th birthday against the Nationals on May 29. The result didn’t go as hoped for Schwellenbach, who took the loss after giving up three runs in five innings while walking and hitting a batter. As rough as it was, Schwellenbach finished the night with five strikeouts and showed fantasy baseball managers why he needs to be added to all watch lists immediately.

Now that AJ Smith-Shawver is sitting on the IL, Schwellenbach should have a considerable leash to earn his spot in the Braves rotation. If he does, he looks to be a solid fantasy contributor down the stretch.

Hurston Waldrep – RHP

2023 first-round draft pick, Houston Waldrep, is the second-ranked prospect in the Braves system and is also banging on the door to come up. Waldrep was recently promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 1 thanks to his upper 90’s fastball. Known for gaudy college strikeout numbers (13.5 K/9), Waldrep can also contribute to the ratio categories showcased by a 2.40 ERA in his two minor league seasons. If we do see Waldrep make the jump to the pros in 2024, it will most likely be as a reliever, however, Atlanta will be playing games that matter through the end of summer and he can be a valuable piece in the fantasy playoffs as well.

Owen Murphy – RHP

The Braves first-round pick of 2022, Owen Murphy, slots into fourth on this list even though the 20-year-old right-hander is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery and end his 2024 campaign. Murphy was in the middle of an incredible year at A+ Rome going 4-2 with a 1.54 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in 41 innings. There’s a long road ahead for Murphy, but if he can bounce back from this injury, he can start hitting fantasy radars at the end of next year.

Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez Jr. – SS

The only non-pitcher on this list and his nickname is “Nacho,” what’s not to love?! Alvarez Jr. was a fifth-round pick in 2022 and has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Braves minor leagues. He has an above-average eye and enough speed to make a difference in fantasy lineups.

The 21-year-old has a career average of .281 in the minors, he stole 16 bases in 2023 and he’s already reached 16 in 2024. Alvarez Jr. is also highly regarded defensively at shortstop which may be his calling card to the big show, however, once he lands in Atlanta, his bat just might be what keeps him there. Alvarez should be on all sleeper cheat sheets for next year's drafts.

 

More Fantasy Baseball Analysis

Chandler Simpson - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Prospects

Chandler Simpson - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Unlike many players currently in the minor leagues, Chandler Simpson has proven he can be a valuable fantasy player at the MLB level. In his time in the majors, he hit .285 with 19 stolen bases in 35 games. Unfortunately, being a valuable fantasy player […]


Brady House - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Prospects, Draft Sleepers

Brady House - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: The Nationals went viral on social media this week for making a fun call-up. They called up their bat dog from Triple-A. While this was very cute and should improve the vibes a little bit in Washington, I don't think Bruce the Bat Dog will help […]


Samuel Basallo - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

Samuel Basallo - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Samuel Basallo might be the best hitter in the minors right now, and he has catcher eligibility. What more do you need to know (I know catcher is super deep this year, but still)? Basallo has been an age-to-level monster for the majority of his pro […]


Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Waiver Wire Stashes, MLB Rookies Call-Ups Sleepers

Andrew Painter - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Painter's last two starts don't give a ton of confidence that he is ready to be in the majors. It may not even be before the All-Star break before we see him, but that does not mean we are in stash territory. The good news is, […]


Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Waiver Wire Stashes, MLB Rookies Call-Ups Sleepers

Colby Thomas - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: The A's continue to lose, and Colby Thomas continues to hit homers in Triple-A. The A's just got swept by the Angels, bringing their record to 26-44. While plays like Denzel Clarke's HR robbery can generate a spark for a team, the A's might need […]




Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!




Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jon Runyan

Limited During Minicamp
Saquon Barkley

Feels Great Physically
Justin Simmons

Panthers Have Talked With Justin Simmons
Jordan Addison

Trial Date Set for July 15
New York Jets

Jets Sign Kingsley Jonathan, Marquis Hayes
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Justin Verlander

Returning to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tony Finau

Finishes Tied For 38th at U.S. Open
Bud Cauley

Misses The Cut at U.S. Open
Cameron Young

Finishes Tied For Fourth at U.S. Open
J.J. Spaun

Wins U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 12th at U.S. Open
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at U.S. Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 42nd at U.S. Open
Vershon Lee

Vikings Ink Undrafted Offensive Lineman Vershon Lee
Luke Clanton

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
San Francisco 49ers

C.J. West Signs Rookie Deal with San Fran
Jaylen Warren

Training to Handle Larger Workload
Giancarlo Stanton

to Make Season Debut on Monday
Will Campbell

Ends Minicamp as Top Left Tackle
Sam Cosmi

Making Good Progress From Torn ACL
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Adonai Mitchell

Impresses at Minicamp
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Bradley Chubb

Fully Healed, Looking Disruptive
Jonnu Smith

Contract Talks "Still Fluid"
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
J.J. McCarthy

Looking "a Lot Stronger"
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Garrett Wilson

Receives New Contract Offer
Jordan Hicks

Headed to Boston
Kyle Harrison

Traded to Red Sox
Travis Kelce

Slims Down During the Offseason
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Restart Contract Discussions
Brady House

Nationals Promoting Brady House to Major Leagues
Rafael Devers

Traded to San Francisco
Logan Gilbert

to Start on Monday
Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Isaiah Simmons

Being Used Exclusively as a Linebacker
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Travis Etienne Jr.

the Jaguars Lead Back?
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Royce Lewis

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Shohei Ohtani

Blasts Two Homers in Win
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Michael King

Not Making Progress
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Jackson Merrill

Removed Early on Saturday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF